12 Gorgeous Cheap Places To Visit in Italy—Because You Deserve Gelato and a Bank Balance

The beauty and adventure that Italy offers would have come with a very hefty price tag in another country. Many people would pay dearly and even save for ages just to see Italy. And it is worth every penny.

However, fortunately, Italy generally remains reasonably priced compared to Western European standards. Even amidst the country’s affordability, some destinations still go stronger in helping budget travelers save money.

Yes, you read that right; from charming coastal towns to vibrant cities steeped in history, Italy offers a wide variety of destinations where you can enjoy the country’s magic without breaking the bank. You just have to know where to go to stretch your dollars further, which is what we show you in this article.

Are you a traveler looking to see Italy on a budget? Here are the country’s cheapest destinations that you should add to your list.

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Palermo, Sicily

Palermo, Sicily’s vibrant capital, has plenty of goodies for tourists. This city is not only rich in history but also easy to keep in your wallet. Imagine strolling through colorful markets, savoring street food, and exploring ancient palaces without digging deeper into your pockets.

A week here can cost as little as $696, including accommodation and meals—that’s about $99 per day! You’ll love the affordable hostels and budget-friendly Airbnb scattered throughout the city.

Take the chance to indulge in local delicacies like arancini or pasta alla Norma at pocket-friendly trattorias. And the best part? Many of Palermo’s stunning attractions, like the Norman Palace and Cattedrale di Palermo, offer free or low-cost entry. Enjoy the city’s beautiful beaches like Spiaggia di Mondello, Lido Valdesi, Lido Sferracavallo, Lido Vergine Maria, and Bagni Acquamarina. Your dollars will stretch far in this Sicilian gem!

Cagliari, Sardinia

Cagliari, the sun-soaked capital of Sardinia, has all you need for a perfect beach vacation. This coastal gem is surprisingly affordable, with daily expenses averaging around $131 per person. A seven-day trip for two people costs about $1,831, including accommodation, food, and sightseeing. While it offers some luxury options, pulling off a budget trip in Cagliari is surprisingly easy.

Wander through the charming old town of Castello, where you’ll discover narrow alleys and stunning viewpoints without spending a dime. Take advantage of the beautiful Poetto Beach, where you can soak up the free Mediterranean sun. Endowed with history, culture, and natural beauty, Cagliari offers an incredible Italian experience that won’t hurt your bank account.

Ravenna, Ravenna

This charming Italian city is a hidden gem for budget travelers. It offers a decadent slice of history at wallet-friendly prices. You can easily get by on $90 daily, including local transportation, food, and nightlife.

Additionally, this city has charming attraction sites that are waiting to be explored. It is home to 8 whooping UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which showcases how culturally and historically rich this destination is. Not even Paris or London have these many UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The best part? Five of these sites can be accessed via a combined ticket. Yes, you read that right: The Chapel of Sant’Andrea and the Ivory Throne, Neonian Baptistery, Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Basilica of San Vitale, and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia can be toured with one ticket, further extending your savings opportunities. Take your sweet time in the Basilica of San Vitale—it’s like stepping into a glittering time capsule!

Fuel your adventures with delicious piadina, a local flatbread sandwich that costs less than a few dollars. For dinner, try the budget-friendly trattorias serving hearty pasta dishes that’ll make your taste buds dance without emptying your wallet.

Urbino, Marche

Tucked in the rolling hills of Le Marche, Urbino is your ticket to Renaissance charm without spending much money. This commune is home to the Ducal Palace, one of Italy’s most important Renaissance buildings. The 15th-century palace won’t cost a penny to admire from the outside. Exploring the inside of this UNESCO World Heritage site will only set you back a few dollars.

Budget travelers, rejoice! You can easily get by on $127 per day here. Remember to sample local specialties like crescia sfogliata (a savory flatbread) and pecorino cheeses that do not cost an arm and a leg. Further, cozy B&Bs and budget-friendly hotels will run you about $57 per night. A week-long stay sets you back around $888, leaving plenty of cash for gelato and wine tasting.

Trieste, Friuli Venezia Giulia

Nestled between the Adriatic Sea and Slovenia, Trieste offers a unique blend of Italian, Austrian, and Slavic cultures. When in Trieste, you’ll find yourself sipping espresso in historic cafes, wandering through charming piazzas, and marveling at the grand architecture — all without burning a hole in your pocket.

Spend some time at Piazza Unità d’Italia, the city’s main square, which is also a hotspot for architectural marvels; explore the beautiful Canal Grande or enjoy stunning city views from Castello di San Giusto.

Budget travelers are in for a treat in this city. For a week-long holiday, plan on spending around $766 for an individual. If you are an extreme penny pincher, you can get around for as low as $43 per day while experiencing a side of Italy many tourists miss.

And surprise, Trieste is only 1 hour and 30 minutes away from Lake Bled in slovenia! It makes for a perfect day trip.

Verona, Veneto

Visit Verona if you are a Shakespeare enthusiast. This city is a World Heritage site and a location for Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” For a week-long stay, budget about $1,278 for an individual and $2,556 for two people.

Juliet’s Balcony is among the top attractions in the city and is allegedly where Romeo expressed his eternal love. It’s free to admire the balcony from the courtyard. And for a few dollars, you can explore the Arena di Verona, an ancient Roman amphitheater that’ll transport you back in time.

Luckily, Verona’s affordable trattorias serve delicious local specialties, so you can treat yourself to authentic Italian cuisine without worrying about your wallet.

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Catania, Sicily

Picture yourself strolling through charming streets with Mount Etna as your backdrop. You will experience that and much more in Catania. First, you’ll fall in love with its pocket-friendly prices. Tourists spend around $131 daily, so prepare to enjoy a week-long stay for about $917.

🏨 Explore all your hotel options

Wander through the bustling fish market, snap photos of baroque architecture, and relax on the nearby beaches. Also, drop by the elephant fountain in Piazza Duomo – the city’s quirky symbol. If you’re feeling adventurous, hop on a bus to explore Mount Etna. Trust us, you won’t deplete your savings, and your Instagram will envy you for choosing Catania.

Bari, Apulia

This charming port city in southern Italy’s Puglia region is a hidden gem that won’t dent your bank account. You can cope with $122 each day or around $854 for a week-long stay.

During your free time, explore the maze-like streets of Bari Vecchia, the old town, for an immersion into authentic Italian culture. Don’t miss out on the fresh seafood at the local markets — it’s a feast for your taste buds. An average meal in Bari costs around $14 per person. Moreover, this city offers free walking tours. You can join the tours to learn about the city’s history and locals.

Do not miss out on beaches around this city, such as Pane e Pomodoro, Spiaggia Libera Lato S. Francesco, and Punta Lunga.

You can also take an easy day trip from Bari to Matera, one of Italy’s most beautiful villages.

Mazara del Vallo, Trapani

This coastal fishing city is perfect for exploring Arab-influenced architecture as you soak up the Mediterranean vibes. Luckily, it’s inexpensive. You can enjoy a week-long holiday for about $1,258. Budget travelers can get hotel accommodation for as little as $38.

Several attractions in Mazara del Vallo are free or cost next to nothing. Visit the famous Dancing Satyr, a bronze statue that’s Mazara’s pride. Also, wander through the Kasbah area, where you’ll feel like you are in North Africa. For beach lovers, Tonnarella offers crystal-clear waters without the tourist crowds. That aside, you can sample red prawn, a local delicacy, for a taste of Mazara’s fishing heritage.

Genoa, Liguria

Did you know that the famous explorer Christopher Columbus was born in Genoa? More fun facts? We can go on and on, but we bet you’d like to know that Genoa has the largest medieval center in Europe. Aside from history, this bustling port city boasts delicious food and affordability. You can spend a week here without hurting your wallet, with daily expenses averaging around $163.

You can stroll along Porto Antico’s waterfront, enjoying the views and discovering landmarks like the Bigo(crane) and the Biosfera. Boccadasse, a charming fishing village within Genoa known for its colorful houses, is also worth your time.

Lucca, Tuscany

Lucca is the perfect Tuscanian destination for budget-conscious travelers. Lying on the banks of the Serchio River, it offers a lot of history and beauty to explore.

Start exploring through its well-preserved Renaissance walls, now a tree-lined promenade. This promenade is a perfect evening for strolls or bike rides. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time while exploring the narrow cobblestone streets and picturesque piazzas. Take your adventure here a notch higher by climbing the Guinigi Tower for breathtaking views of the city and surrounding countryside.

The best part? You can enjoy Lucca on a daily budget of $114, including meals and local transportation. For a week’s trip, plan on spending around $799.

Noto, Sicily

Do you dream of stepping into a Baroque fairytale? Visit Noto, a city dating back to the 18th century. This Sicilian gem is a feast for your eyes and wallet. You’ll be strolling down golden-hued streets and gazing at ornate palaces and churches that’ll fascinate you. Noto’s a paradise for budget travelers. For a week-long stay, budget around $1,425. That budget includes a cozy bed and tasty local eats. Moreover, a budget traveler can spend $47 to $55 per night in a 1-star hotel.

As you explore the city, visit the baroque-style Noto Cathedral and the charming Palazzo Nicolaci. You also do not want to miss out on Calamosche Beach.